MOVING ON UP - Nicky Forster celebrates with Andy Hughes after the scoring the goal at Crystal Palace last night that lifted Reading to fourth place in Division 1

Reading boss Alan Pardew hailed his side the new Arsenal after watching them clock up a fourth consecutive 1-0 win and move up to fourth in the First Division.

The Gunners had a reputation in the late 1980s and early 90s for possessing the meanest defence around and winning by the only goal.

But Royals are rapidly taking over their mantle, as demonstrated against Pardew's former club Crystal Palace last night.

It wasn't pretty at Selhurst Park, but Pardew's men got the job done again and once Nicky Forster had fired Reading in front six minutes before half-time, the outcome was never in doubt.

Reading have the meanest defensive record in the First Division, having conceded just 14 goals in 19 league matches.

Pardew spent his most memorable playing days at Selhurst Park, but it was a successful return to SE25 as the Eagles were just the latest team to fail to breach Reading's rearguard.

And the Reading boss said: "I wouldn't say this victory is any sweeter. I love it here at Palace.

The club will always have a special place in my heart and it's nice to bring my team back here and win.

"I'm a bit disappointed with the way we played, but we defended as we have done all year, very resolutely. In possession, though, we were poor.

"It used to be 1-0 to the Arsenal, but it's now 1-0 to the Reading.

"We've got some great defenders and I felt comfortable on the sidelines."

Reading have now won five consecutive games, and although in November they still have to play Brighton, Pardew must be the favourite to win Manager of the Month.

His side have clocked up four straight victories in November without conceding a goal.

Pardew added: "If anyone has seen us over the last 10 games I don't think people will be surprised where we are. I said to the players before the game ‘You're coming to London, to a big, big club with a great history and people will expect you to get beaten. But if you come through this one you can look forward to doing some big things in this league'."

Match winner Forster was quick to praise the defence for another rock-solid performance.

He said: "I make no bones about it, this was a hard game against a good team.

"But defensively we were fantastic. Matthew Upson and Adie Williams were just unbelievable, but so were the rest of the back four and goalkeeper.

"Marcus Hahnemann takes so much pressure off as he comes for crosses and his distribution is first class. We got the one goal but the true performance was in defence."

Williams added: "I've said it before that as a defender your aim is to keep a clean sheet and I thought the back five were outstanding."